NEDERLAND — Although not given much fanfare in the American news media, an event some 800 years in the making will take place in Scotland this fall.

In September of this year, Scots will head to the polls to vote in a referendum on Scottish independence from the United Kingdom.

And they're asking the advice of Texans in their quest.

To place the referendum in a wider global context, the University of Stirling in Scotland has invited Daniel Miller, President of the Texas Nationalist Movement, to speak on the efforts of the TNM for Texas independence.

“We are extremely appreciative that our friends in Scotland have extended a hand of friendship across the Atlantic and are giving us the opportunity to add to their understanding of what is at stake,” Miller said

“Regardless of which side of the issue people fall, Scottish independence is a study in the very same debates that will take place in Texas ahead of the binding referendum on independence that is in our future.”

England first sought complete political power over Scotland in 1296, when King Edward Longshanks’ invasion was faced by the forces of Scottish national hero William Wallace, made famous in the movie “Braveheart.” Full English sovereignty has been exercised since the Acts of Union in 1707.

The modern Scottish independence movement, however, isn’t taking to the battlefield. The Scottish Parliament and the British Parliament negotiated the arrangement to hold a referendum on the question, “Should Scotland be an independent country?”

The Texas Nationalist Movement has consistently incorporated discussion of the global trend toward self-determination as a cornerstone of its outreach efforts. Additionally, Scotland has been held up as an example of adopting a “never quit” attitude toward independence.

“The invitation to speak at the University of Stirling is further proof that the eyes of the world are on Texas and the Texas Nationalist Movement,” Miller said.

“When you understand the global context of independence, whether it’s Texas or Scotland, you realize that neither of us is strictly a protest movement. Self-determination is our right. We don’t have it and we want it.”

In January 2012, the UK government offered to legislate to provide the Scottish Parliament with the specific powers to hold a referendum, providing it was “fair, legal and decisive.” The majority Scottish National Party is in favor of retaining a personal union with the rest of the UK and also seeks membership of the Commonwealth of Nations. SNP also intends to retain allegiance to the British monarchy.

“In many ways, our Scottish friends are laying a path for Texas,” Miller added. “Establishing an independent Texas does not mean we would cut relations with our sister States, or even the U.S. Independence can be achieved sanely and legally at the ballot box.”

Details of the engagement are being finalized and will be released when set.